What Is Prosthetic Dental Treatment?
Prosthetic dental treatment is one of the preferred methods for the treatment of one or more missing teeth. It improves individuals’ quality of life, reduces disruptions in daily routines, and provides a long-term solution. Prosthetic dental treatment, which is commonly chosen for tooth loss, will continue to be preferred because it offers solutions for various situations and allows for personalized treatment. Prosthetic dental treatment involves replacing aesthetically and functionally impaired teeth. Prosthetic dental treatments often enable rapid psychological recovery in patients because they improve speech, nutrition, and other functions of the jaw. The restoration of oral and dental integrity, achieving an aesthetic and natural appearance, and preserving the functions of the jaw are the focus of prosthodontists, dental specialists who perform prosthetic dental treatment.
When is a Dental Check-up Necessary?
A dental check-up is recommended as soon as possible in the case of new tooth loss or existing missing teeth for some time because missing teeth can lead to deformities in the bone tissue and gum diseases. The longer the period of time spent with missing teeth, the greater the severity of the resulting damage can be, and the likelihood of reversing it decreases with each passing day. Some situations that require a visit to the dentist for prosthetic solutions are as follows:
- Broken, worn, or worn-down teeth
- Bleeding, severely painful teeth, and gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Aesthetic concerns such as tooth discoloration
When is Prosthetic Dental Treatment Applied?
Prosthetic dental treatments can be applied to replace a tooth in cases of trauma or other dental conditions. They are often chosen when teeth have been severely damaged and cannot be saved. Therefore, oral and dental health should not be neglected, and regular dental check-ups should not be skipped. The most common situations in which prosthetic dental treatment is preferred are listed below:
- In individuals with improper positioning of the jawbone where teeth alignment and preservation of their functions are necessary
- In cases of dental functional disorders that arise later due to various diseases or traumas
- In cases of tooth loss
- In individuals seeking treatment for aesthetic concerns
- In patients experiencing severe psychological or physical problems due to dental defects or losses
What are the Advantages of Prosthetic Dental Treatment?
Prosthetic dental treatment has positive outcomes such as improving the patient’s quality of life, providing an aesthetic appearance, positively affecting their mood, and ensuring smooth fulfillment of basic needs like eating. The advantages that can be obtained when planning prosthetic dental treatment are as follows:
- Recovery of vital functions such as chewing and speaking that were lost due to tooth loss
- Achieving an aesthetic and natural appearance
- Preserving oral health and minimizing the risk of diseases
- Facilitating psychological healing
What are the Types of Prostheses Used in Prosthetic Dental Treatment?
Prosthetic dental treatments are categorized into two main types: fixed prosthesis and removable prosthesis. Fixed prosthesis involves replacing missing or damaged teeth as closely as possible to their original state while preserving the aesthetic appearance. It is produced by utilizing support from existing undamaged teeth and is fixed in the mouth using various chemicals. The commonly used types of fixed prostheses are as follows:
Crown Treatment: Crowns, also known as dental caps, are preferred in cases where tooth integrity is compromised due to widespread and deep dental decay, tooth fractures, or near-total loss. Different materials such as metal, metal-supported porcelain, zirconium-based, and reinforced porcelain are used when crowning teeth. Porcelain laminates, also known as veneers, are thin porcelain layers that adhere to the front outer surface of the teeth. They can be used to fill gaps between teeth, lengthen or reshape teeth, and alter tooth color due to their very thin nature. Porcelain laminates are also preferred for smile design purposes, such as achieving permanent whiteness.
Metal-Supported Porcelain Crown: It consists of porcelain for aesthetic appearance and metal infrastructure for support. However, it does not provide a natural appearance due to its low light transmission.
Zirconium-Supported Crown: In zirconium-supported crowns, high light transmission allows for the most natural appearance. The inner part of the tooth is made of zirconium, while the visible outer part is made of porcelain.
Bridge: It can be chosen when one or more teeth are missing. Support is obtained from the natural teeth adjacent to the tooth gaps. Bridge treatment can be performed using different techniques. After the treatment, functions such as chewing and speaking are restored, and an aesthetic appearance is achieved.
Implant: Implant treatment is often preferred due to its long-lasting and efficient use. The ability to add different prostheses onto implants is one of the main reasons for choosing implant treatment. The chewing function is preserved with an artificial tooth root anchored to the jawbone. Implants are widely preferred due to their positive aspects, but they can occasionally cause mechanical and biological complications. Complications can include screw loosening, porcelain fractures, and damage to the surrounding soft tissue and bone. The cost of dental implants is also an important factor that can influence patient preference.
Removable prostheses are artificial prostheses that can be worn and removed by patients. They are used to replace missing teeth when there are existing natural teeth but insufficient support for fixed prostheses. They are called removable partial dentures because they can be taken in and out by the patient. In partial dentures, metal parts can hinder the formation of an aesthetic appearance.
In addition to fixed and removable prostheses, implant-supported prostheses can also be chosen in prosthetic dental treatment. Implant-supported prostheses are classified as fixed, removable, or hybrid. In implant-supported fixed prosthesis treatment, crowns and/or bridge prostheses supported by one or more implants are used. The fixation process is achieved through cementation or screw-retained techniques. It is often preferred when several teeth are missing, allowing the missing tooth area to be filled with a prosthesis while preserving the remaining healthy teeth.
Fixed prostheses on implants can be made of metal, ceramic, or zirconium. Implant-supported removable prosthesis treatment can be preferred when all teeth are missing. It is based on the placement of implants in the jawbone. This type of prosthesis, supported by tissue and implants, prevents the problem of removable dentures coming loose. Implant-supported hybrid prostheses can be preferred because they are easier for the patient to use. This type of prosthesis cannot be removed by the patient, but can be removed by dentists when necessary.
Prosthetic dental treatments applied to defects resulting from conditions such as congenital anomalies, severe traumas, or past tumor surgeries may not provide the desired results. Maxillofacial prostheses can be preferred in such cases to restore functions and provide aesthetics. Transparent night guards can be used to prevent or alleviate problems that may occur in teeth, gums, and the temporomandibular joint due to clenching and grinding of teeth during sleep or while falling asleep.
Adapting to Dentures
Even with well-made prostheses, getting used to them can be a process that requires patience and time. It is recommended that patients go through this process following the advice of their dentist and remain determined in using the prosthesis. It may take 4-6 weeks for a return to normal eating habits with complete dentures. There may be difficulties in pronouncing certain sounds or speaking loudly for a while. During the adaptation period, it is recommended to wear the dentures constantly and not even remove them at night. After the adaptation period, the dentures can be taken out at night and placed on a clean towel. This allows the soft tissues in the mouth to rest and repair. Dentures have a lifespan and therefore cannot be used for a lifetime. Although it may vary from patient to patient, under normal conditions, renewal may be required every 5 years.
Prosthetic Dental Treatment Prices
Dental prosthesis treatments are often considered as turning points that positively change a person’s quality of life. Prosthetic dental treatments can not only improve the smile and appearance but also contribute to oral and dental health. Dental treatments often involve expensive processes that require budget planning and patience. Therefore, it is important to manage the process with a good prosthodontist for correct and appropriate prosthesis planning.
WHAT IS A DENTAL PROSTHESIS?
Immediate Dentures: Also known as temporary dentures, immediate dentures are applied to address aesthetic concerns that arise from the extraction of natural teeth. Swelling occurs in the oral tissues when teeth are first extracted. It is necessary to wait for these tissues to return to normal before permanent prostheses are made. During this process, the patient’s permanent dentures are also prepared. Once the tissues have fully healed, the immediate dentures become incompatible with the mouth, and permanent prostheses are applied to the individual.
